Judge ups ante with well-timed Grisham praise on eve of Soto’s Bronx return

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Judge lavishes praise on Grisham, creates intriguing subplot to Soto’s Yankee Stadium appearance.

When the blockbuster trade bringing Juan Soto to the Yankees made headlines last winter, few baseball minds gave much thought to the “other guy” in the deal. Fast forward to 2025, and that afterthought—Trent Grisham—has morphed into a centerfield sensation drawing accolades from none other than Yankees captain Aaron Judge, just as Soto prepares for his first appearance in the Bronx wearing Mets colors.

Grisham, 28, has exploded onto the scene this season, transforming from backup to standout with eye-popping numbers through 36 games—a .283 average, .996 OPS, and 12 home runs. His latest would-be homer was snatched away Wednesday by Seattle’s Julio Rodríguez in a highlight-reel robbery.

“I feel like that’s a guy that should be in an All-Star Game, especially with the season he’s putting up,” said Judge. “I think he’s a big reason for the success we’ve had.”

From Soto trade footnote to Yankees’ frontliner

Many viewed Grisham as merely a complementary piece in the headline-grabbing trade that delivered Soto to New York. But while Soto crossed town to join the Mets after hitting free agency, Grisham stayed put, quietly preparing to seize his opportunity.

Yankees skipper Aaron Boone praised Grisham’s mental approach and consistent production.

“He’s just in a great spot,” Boone said. “I think it speaks to his talent. It speaks to where he’s at in his preparation and his process. I know he’s talked a lot about being mentally in a really good place and going up there and executing his plan. That’s something that comes with maturity.”

The metrics back up the buzz surrounding Grisham. Among American League center fielders with 100+ plate appearances, his 1.4 fWAR sits second only to Byron Buxton, while his 178 WRC+ leads the position. His OPS and homer totals rank first, building a compelling All-Star case.

Grisham’s pinstripe redemption story

Grisham’s Yankees debut season wasn’t smooth sailing. Relegated to a reserve role behind Soto and Judge, he struggled to find rhythm with sporadic playing time. However, with Soto’s departure creating a regular slot in the lineup, he’s showcasing the talents that made him Milwaukee’s first-round selection in 2015.

“This is what Trent always saw in himself and what a lot of guys saw in him too,” Judge added. “Being a first-round pick, coming up with Milwaukee and then traded to San Diego, and finally traded to us. You give a guy like that — who puts in the work every single day, a Gold Glove defender — 500 at-bats, let him go out there and do his thing for a whole season, and good things are going to happen.”

His emergence comes at a critical juncture for a Yankees squad navigating injuries and lineup questions. Beyond the numbers, he’s delivered quality plate appearances and elite defense. Boone emphasized that development timelines vary among players.

“Some guys pop right away in their career, other guys sometimes it’s a little bit later,” Boone said. “But the quality of the at-bat has been there from jump.”

Bronx buzzes for Soto’s return

While Grisham shines in his expanded role, anticipation builds for Soto’s weekend return to Yankee Stadium. After signing a 15-year, $765 million deal with the Mets during the offseason, fans are eager to express their feelings.

Asked about the reception awaiting Soto, Boone offered a knowing smile: “It’ll be interesting. It’s The Bronx.”

Soto’s Yankees tenure, though brief, left an indelible mark. His 2024 campaign featured a .288/.419/.569 slash line with 41 homers and 109 RBIs across 157 games, culminating in a .988 OPS. He ranked among MLB leaders in several offensive categories and carried the lineup through injury-plagued stretches.

The organization’s decision or reluctance to meet its contract demands led to his crosstown move, sparking mixed emotions among the fanbase.

Now Soto returns wearing orange and blue, facing his former teammates. Meanwhile, the player once considered his understudy has claimed the spotlight in center field.

Grisham’s rise anchors outfield

The Yankees entered 2025 with outfield uncertainty, particularly with Jasson Domínguez still recuperating and Giancarlo Stanton battling another lower-body ailment. Grisham has filled this void masterfully, allowing Judge to remain in the right field while bringing defensive excellence and timely hitting to the lineup.

His refined approach at the plate and ability to handle pitchers from both sides have added balance to a team that previously leaned too heavily on power hitting over consistency.

With 12 home runs already, Grisham has surpassed his total from any season since 2021. His decreased chase rate indicates improved pitch recognition and mature swing decisions.

Boone attributes this success to mental fortitude and streamlined preparation.

“I think he’s simplified things,” the skipper said. “He’s not pressing. He trusts the process. And it’s paying off in a big way.”

Trent’s elite two-way talent

While his offensive surge generates headlines, Grisham’s defensive prowess remains elite. The two-time Gold Glove winner continues making game-changing plays in center field. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks among the top five American League center fielders in Outs Above Average this season.

In the hyper-competitive AL East, Grisham’s ability to turn extra-base hits into routine outs proves as valuable as his offensive production.

The verdict: Better than Soto

Judge’s commendation wasn’t mere courtesy. The Yankees leader recognizes in Grisham a potential all-around star who just needed a consistent opportunity.

“It’s been fun to watch,” Judge said. “I’m looking forward to more.”

Yankees fans share that sentiment. Though Soto’s return will dominate weekend headlines, the long-term narrative may well center on Grisham—the overlooked trade piece now thriving under New York’s bright lights, one quality at a time.

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